National Memory Screening Day is organized by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The purpose is to provide free, confidential memory screenings to the public and distribute educational materials about memory concerns, dementia, caregiving and successful aging. In 2010, qualified health care professionals provided free, confidential memory screenings to an estimated 60,000 people at more than 2,300 sites nationwide on screening day.

Italy trip meeting set Nov. 21 at CLC

An informational meeting for the next Central Lakes College travel study trip to Italy will be held from 7-8 p.m. Nov. 21 in room E 354, the Lecture Hall of the Brainerd campus.

The Italian Renaissance Experience, led by English and Humanities instructor Michael Soderlund, will travel to Rome, Florence and Venice May 17-28. The study trip will explore the art and culture of the Italian Renaissance.

While students enrolled at the college have first priority for enrollment, any remaining room on the trip will be made available to community members after student registration has ended.

STAPLES — Lakewood Health System’s Respiratory Therapy department is launching a program called “Take Action on Asthma.” In collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Health and the American Lung Association- Minnesota, the program will focus on improving the quality of life for people, especially children, with asthma.

The program is headed by Lakewood Health System respiratory therapists Allison Maneval and Megan Dolezal, who have been trained in asthma education. They will work to educate coaches, daycare providers, educators and others who work closely with children, on the importance of recognizing asthma symptoms and attacks and knowing how to respond appropriately in an asthma-related emergency.

Patients, or “Asthma Action Stars,” who take part in the program will receive bracelets that can be worn to identify that they have asthma. Incentive gifts and prizes will be given to those ‘caught’ wearing their bracelet at school and out in the community.

“We are fortunate enough that Lakewood is committed to respiratory excellence and that our providers recognize the importance of this individualized care for our patients,” said Respiratory Therapy Director Kirsten Smith.

For more information on the “Take Action on Asthma” program, contact Respiratory Services at 894-8499.

Veterans luncheon planned

A program honoring and thanking veterans will be 2 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Brainerd VFW Post No. 1647.

All military, past or present, who have served our country are encouraged to bring a military picture of a loved one to the VFW before noon Nov. 10, to be part of a slide presentation. Those interested can also bring a picture the day of the luncheon to be placed on a table of remembrance. There will be a candlelight ceremony to honor and remember the fallen heroes.

For more information, call Tammy Ebertowski, community volunteer chairperson, at (218) 232-1404, or Douglas Host, VFW Commander at 829-6393 or email commander@brainerdvfw.com.